Austrian Kammersänger (KS)

On Monday 19 June 2017 Simon was awarded the prestigious title of Austrian Kammersänger at a ceremony that took place in the Teesalon at the Vienna State Opera. The award was presented to Simon by the Director, Dominique Meyer, and Christian Kircher, pictured with Simon above. A number of Simon’s friends and colleagues, including Sir Bryn Terfel, attended the ceremony.

The website of the Vienna State Opera has a news article relating to the ceremony. Click here to read (in German). See below for partial English translation:

Director of the State Opera, Dominique Meyer, emphasised in his address: “Simon, your role debut as Golaud yesterday was a “star hour” and today you receive this award as a sign of the bond with the Vienna State Opera. In the name of the house, I can say “Welcome to the Club”! We all love you and are very happy that you receive this award”.

KS Simon Keenlyside, who thanked the State Opera Director Dominique Meyer and Christian Kircher, was delighted to see so many of his colleagues – singers and staff of the house – present. “We are all a Team. This is most important to me, and not just on the stage. I am very grateful, Mr Director, that you accept me as I am – a “shy man”.  As long there are people like you, I am happy.” He described the Vienna State Opera, the Konzerthaus and the Musikverein – unfortunately he cannnot perform as often at the Salzburg Festival, because he dedicates the summer to being with his family – as the centre of his musical universe. “Hopefully it will remain so. It makes me deeply happy.”

Sir Bryn Terfel, who attended the ceremony, tweeted several comments and a photo of the actual KS citation, shown in the gallery below.